Daniel 3
KingCommentsDaniel 3:1
The Sword Song
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:8). He is now commanded to prophesy about the sword, about the coming of the sword and what the sword will do (Ezekiel 21:9). He speaks in poetic language, in the form of a song, about the horrors that the sword will bring. He begins by describing the sword. The sword is mentioned twice in succession, because of the impression it makes. It is not a sword that hangs on the wall for decoration, but a sword that has been sharpened and polished for use.
The sword is sharpened to make a slaughter, and it is polished to make it shine when it is struck back and forth flashing (Ezekiel 21:10). It will come with the speed of lightning. At that sight, all joy disappears. It is, says the LORD, the rod with which He must discipline His son Israel because he has despised every tree, which means every other rod of wood. God’s people have been unwilling to listen to any discipline (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
God gave the sword to Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 21:11). Nebuchadnezzar took it in his hand to carry out God’s counsel. However, in doing so he has only pursued his own evil, cruel plans. Like “the slayer”, he has acted with the sword given him by God. He has carried out the task given to him only to his own honor and pleasure.
That is why Ezekiel is commanded to cry out and wail (Ezekiel 21:12), because God’s people are suffering so much. God is not indifferent to what people do to His people of their own accord, driven by murderous motives. He wants to punish His people, but those who are used by Him want to exterminate His people. That is what concerns Him. Here we see that God is not a cruel God, but uses everything to His ends, without in the slightest diminishing the responsibility of those whom He makes use of. The people and their officials have been given up to the sword. This is a matter to be intensely grieved over, of which the striking of the thigh is an expression (Jeremiah 31:19a).
But what happens when this tried rod has also done its work and is taken away, the LORD asks (Ezekiel 21:13)? In order to avoid having no effect, the prophet must continue to prophesy (Ezekiel 21:14). He must clap his hands together as a sign of dismay. For the sword will come down on Judah with double strength, yes, with triple strength. It will come down in such fury upon the great ones, the forefathers of the people, that many will fall down mortally wounded. It will cause great fear. Many will be brought down and thus become a stumbling block to those who want to flee (Ezekiel 21:15). And when they come to the gate to go out of the city, they will run into the sword there and be killed. After all, the sword was polished for that purpose.
Then the sword is addressed (Ezekiel 21:16). The short sentences sound like sword strokes. The sword is under God’s command, and the command is that the sword is to spread death and destruction in all directions, whichever way it turns. What Ezekiel has to do in Ezekiel 21:14, God Himself will also do (Ezekiel 21:17) when His sword is busy sowing death and destruction. He will clap His hands together and bring His wrath down upon the people. He will appease His wrath through the judgment on the wicked and encourage the sword to destroy, until His wrath is stilled. He has spoken it and so it will happen.
Daniel 3:2
The Sword Song
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:8). He is now commanded to prophesy about the sword, about the coming of the sword and what the sword will do (Ezekiel 21:9). He speaks in poetic language, in the form of a song, about the horrors that the sword will bring. He begins by describing the sword. The sword is mentioned twice in succession, because of the impression it makes. It is not a sword that hangs on the wall for decoration, but a sword that has been sharpened and polished for use.
The sword is sharpened to make a slaughter, and it is polished to make it shine when it is struck back and forth flashing (Ezekiel 21:10). It will come with the speed of lightning. At that sight, all joy disappears. It is, says the LORD, the rod with which He must discipline His son Israel because he has despised every tree, which means every other rod of wood. God’s people have been unwilling to listen to any discipline (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
God gave the sword to Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 21:11). Nebuchadnezzar took it in his hand to carry out God’s counsel. However, in doing so he has only pursued his own evil, cruel plans. Like “the slayer”, he has acted with the sword given him by God. He has carried out the task given to him only to his own honor and pleasure.
That is why Ezekiel is commanded to cry out and wail (Ezekiel 21:12), because God’s people are suffering so much. God is not indifferent to what people do to His people of their own accord, driven by murderous motives. He wants to punish His people, but those who are used by Him want to exterminate His people. That is what concerns Him. Here we see that God is not a cruel God, but uses everything to His ends, without in the slightest diminishing the responsibility of those whom He makes use of. The people and their officials have been given up to the sword. This is a matter to be intensely grieved over, of which the striking of the thigh is an expression (Jeremiah 31:19a).
But what happens when this tried rod has also done its work and is taken away, the LORD asks (Ezekiel 21:13)? In order to avoid having no effect, the prophet must continue to prophesy (Ezekiel 21:14). He must clap his hands together as a sign of dismay. For the sword will come down on Judah with double strength, yes, with triple strength. It will come down in such fury upon the great ones, the forefathers of the people, that many will fall down mortally wounded. It will cause great fear. Many will be brought down and thus become a stumbling block to those who want to flee (Ezekiel 21:15). And when they come to the gate to go out of the city, they will run into the sword there and be killed. After all, the sword was polished for that purpose.
Then the sword is addressed (Ezekiel 21:16). The short sentences sound like sword strokes. The sword is under God’s command, and the command is that the sword is to spread death and destruction in all directions, whichever way it turns. What Ezekiel has to do in Ezekiel 21:14, God Himself will also do (Ezekiel 21:17) when His sword is busy sowing death and destruction. He will clap His hands together and bring His wrath down upon the people. He will appease His wrath through the judgment on the wicked and encourage the sword to destroy, until His wrath is stilled. He has spoken it and so it will happen.
Daniel 3:3
The Sword Song
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:8). He is now commanded to prophesy about the sword, about the coming of the sword and what the sword will do (Ezekiel 21:9). He speaks in poetic language, in the form of a song, about the horrors that the sword will bring. He begins by describing the sword. The sword is mentioned twice in succession, because of the impression it makes. It is not a sword that hangs on the wall for decoration, but a sword that has been sharpened and polished for use.
The sword is sharpened to make a slaughter, and it is polished to make it shine when it is struck back and forth flashing (Ezekiel 21:10). It will come with the speed of lightning. At that sight, all joy disappears. It is, says the LORD, the rod with which He must discipline His son Israel because he has despised every tree, which means every other rod of wood. God’s people have been unwilling to listen to any discipline (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
God gave the sword to Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 21:11). Nebuchadnezzar took it in his hand to carry out God’s counsel. However, in doing so he has only pursued his own evil, cruel plans. Like “the slayer”, he has acted with the sword given him by God. He has carried out the task given to him only to his own honor and pleasure.
That is why Ezekiel is commanded to cry out and wail (Ezekiel 21:12), because God’s people are suffering so much. God is not indifferent to what people do to His people of their own accord, driven by murderous motives. He wants to punish His people, but those who are used by Him want to exterminate His people. That is what concerns Him. Here we see that God is not a cruel God, but uses everything to His ends, without in the slightest diminishing the responsibility of those whom He makes use of. The people and their officials have been given up to the sword. This is a matter to be intensely grieved over, of which the striking of the thigh is an expression (Jeremiah 31:19a).
But what happens when this tried rod has also done its work and is taken away, the LORD asks (Ezekiel 21:13)? In order to avoid having no effect, the prophet must continue to prophesy (Ezekiel 21:14). He must clap his hands together as a sign of dismay. For the sword will come down on Judah with double strength, yes, with triple strength. It will come down in such fury upon the great ones, the forefathers of the people, that many will fall down mortally wounded. It will cause great fear. Many will be brought down and thus become a stumbling block to those who want to flee (Ezekiel 21:15). And when they come to the gate to go out of the city, they will run into the sword there and be killed. After all, the sword was polished for that purpose.
Then the sword is addressed (Ezekiel 21:16). The short sentences sound like sword strokes. The sword is under God’s command, and the command is that the sword is to spread death and destruction in all directions, whichever way it turns. What Ezekiel has to do in Ezekiel 21:14, God Himself will also do (Ezekiel 21:17) when His sword is busy sowing death and destruction. He will clap His hands together and bring His wrath down upon the people. He will appease His wrath through the judgment on the wicked and encourage the sword to destroy, until His wrath is stilled. He has spoken it and so it will happen.
Daniel 3:4
The Sword Song
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:8). He is now commanded to prophesy about the sword, about the coming of the sword and what the sword will do (Ezekiel 21:9). He speaks in poetic language, in the form of a song, about the horrors that the sword will bring. He begins by describing the sword. The sword is mentioned twice in succession, because of the impression it makes. It is not a sword that hangs on the wall for decoration, but a sword that has been sharpened and polished for use.
The sword is sharpened to make a slaughter, and it is polished to make it shine when it is struck back and forth flashing (Ezekiel 21:10). It will come with the speed of lightning. At that sight, all joy disappears. It is, says the LORD, the rod with which He must discipline His son Israel because he has despised every tree, which means every other rod of wood. God’s people have been unwilling to listen to any discipline (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
God gave the sword to Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 21:11). Nebuchadnezzar took it in his hand to carry out God’s counsel. However, in doing so he has only pursued his own evil, cruel plans. Like “the slayer”, he has acted with the sword given him by God. He has carried out the task given to him only to his own honor and pleasure.
That is why Ezekiel is commanded to cry out and wail (Ezekiel 21:12), because God’s people are suffering so much. God is not indifferent to what people do to His people of their own accord, driven by murderous motives. He wants to punish His people, but those who are used by Him want to exterminate His people. That is what concerns Him. Here we see that God is not a cruel God, but uses everything to His ends, without in the slightest diminishing the responsibility of those whom He makes use of. The people and their officials have been given up to the sword. This is a matter to be intensely grieved over, of which the striking of the thigh is an expression (Jeremiah 31:19a).
But what happens when this tried rod has also done its work and is taken away, the LORD asks (Ezekiel 21:13)? In order to avoid having no effect, the prophet must continue to prophesy (Ezekiel 21:14). He must clap his hands together as a sign of dismay. For the sword will come down on Judah with double strength, yes, with triple strength. It will come down in such fury upon the great ones, the forefathers of the people, that many will fall down mortally wounded. It will cause great fear. Many will be brought down and thus become a stumbling block to those who want to flee (Ezekiel 21:15). And when they come to the gate to go out of the city, they will run into the sword there and be killed. After all, the sword was polished for that purpose.
Then the sword is addressed (Ezekiel 21:16). The short sentences sound like sword strokes. The sword is under God’s command, and the command is that the sword is to spread death and destruction in all directions, whichever way it turns. What Ezekiel has to do in Ezekiel 21:14, God Himself will also do (Ezekiel 21:17) when His sword is busy sowing death and destruction. He will clap His hands together and bring His wrath down upon the people. He will appease His wrath through the judgment on the wicked and encourage the sword to destroy, until His wrath is stilled. He has spoken it and so it will happen.
Daniel 3:5
The Sword Song
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:8). He is now commanded to prophesy about the sword, about the coming of the sword and what the sword will do (Ezekiel 21:9). He speaks in poetic language, in the form of a song, about the horrors that the sword will bring. He begins by describing the sword. The sword is mentioned twice in succession, because of the impression it makes. It is not a sword that hangs on the wall for decoration, but a sword that has been sharpened and polished for use.
The sword is sharpened to make a slaughter, and it is polished to make it shine when it is struck back and forth flashing (Ezekiel 21:10). It will come with the speed of lightning. At that sight, all joy disappears. It is, says the LORD, the rod with which He must discipline His son Israel because he has despised every tree, which means every other rod of wood. God’s people have been unwilling to listen to any discipline (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
God gave the sword to Nebuchadnezzar (Ezekiel 21:11). Nebuchadnezzar took it in his hand to carry out God’s counsel. However, in doing so he has only pursued his own evil, cruel plans. Like “the slayer”, he has acted with the sword given him by God. He has carried out the task given to him only to his own honor and pleasure.
That is why Ezekiel is commanded to cry out and wail (Ezekiel 21:12), because God’s people are suffering so much. God is not indifferent to what people do to His people of their own accord, driven by murderous motives. He wants to punish His people, but those who are used by Him want to exterminate His people. That is what concerns Him. Here we see that God is not a cruel God, but uses everything to His ends, without in the slightest diminishing the responsibility of those whom He makes use of. The people and their officials have been given up to the sword. This is a matter to be intensely grieved over, of which the striking of the thigh is an expression (Jeremiah 31:19a).
But what happens when this tried rod has also done its work and is taken away, the LORD asks (Ezekiel 21:13)? In order to avoid having no effect, the prophet must continue to prophesy (Ezekiel 21:14). He must clap his hands together as a sign of dismay. For the sword will come down on Judah with double strength, yes, with triple strength. It will come down in such fury upon the great ones, the forefathers of the people, that many will fall down mortally wounded. It will cause great fear. Many will be brought down and thus become a stumbling block to those who want to flee (Ezekiel 21:15). And when they come to the gate to go out of the city, they will run into the sword there and be killed. After all, the sword was polished for that purpose.
Then the sword is addressed (Ezekiel 21:16). The short sentences sound like sword strokes. The sword is under God’s command, and the command is that the sword is to spread death and destruction in all directions, whichever way it turns. What Ezekiel has to do in Ezekiel 21:14, God Himself will also do (Ezekiel 21:17) when His sword is busy sowing death and destruction. He will clap His hands together and bring His wrath down upon the people. He will appease His wrath through the judgment on the wicked and encourage the sword to destroy, until His wrath is stilled. He has spoken it and so it will happen.
Daniel 3:6
The Oracle of Nebuchadnezzar
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:18). He is commanded to make [or: set for himself] two ways (Ezekiel 21:19; cf. Ezekiel 4:1). He has to set them “for himself”. This indicates that he is to enter in the spirit of what is about to happen. In the same way, we are to be concerned with future events. We must be able to set them for ourselves, as it were, so that what is going to happen to Israel, Europe and the world becomes clear to us.
The ways that Ezekiel has to make or draw starts as one way, which later splits into two ways. It is the way that the sword will go to get into Judah. Now the name of him who holds the sword is also mentioned. It is the king of Babylon. The two ways go out from one land. At the place where the way splits into two ways, Ezekiel is to make a signpost. On it are two destinations. One way leads to Rabbah, the capital of the sons of Ammon; the other way leads to Judah with its fortified Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20). The way from Babylon to Rabbah and to Jerusalem is the same way until Damascus. At Damascus one must choose where to go.
Then the LORD tells Ezekiel why he should set out the way and the split into two ways. At the split, the king of Babylon will stop to consider which direction he will go (Ezekiel 21:21). Will he take the way to Rabbah or the one to Jerusalem? To determine his choice, he will use idolatrous methods of divination, as is customary for him, to reach a decision. He uses three methods. This does show how uncertain he finds a particular method. It is obvious to assume that by using three, he will take the path indicated by at least two methods.
The ‘shaking the arrows’ could mean that he takes two arrows and puts the name of a direction on each. He then shakes them and draws one. That is then the direction he will take. When consulting the “household idols” they seem to be teraphim or small household gods taken by the owner on a journey (Genesis 31:19). To “look at the liver” is to examine the color and characteristics of the liver of a sacrificial animal. This form of divination is in use throughout the Babylonians at this time.
We see here that God knows all of Nebuchadnezzar’s deliberations and that He determines the outcome. He will cause the king of Babylon to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:22). Nebuchadnezzar thinks his gods have given him counsel, but God determines his way. Nebuchadnezzar has his battle plan and his weapons ready to begin the siege of a strong fortress like Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem will experience this as a “false prophecy”, because they have promised allegiance to the king of Babylon after all (Ezekiel 21:23; Ezekiel 17:16-18).
But their promises or oaths are worth nothing. Several times Zedekiah and the officials committed themselves with solemn oaths to remain faithful to the king of Babylon. But they have done so in order to deceive him, for secretly they have made agreements with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:7; 15; 17; Jeremiah 37:5; Jeremiah 46:17). It is precisely their unfaithfulness that is a reason for Nebuchadnezzar to go up against them. He will remind them of their own iniquity and seize and carry them away for it.
Daniel 3:7
The Oracle of Nebuchadnezzar
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:18). He is commanded to make [or: set for himself] two ways (Ezekiel 21:19; cf. Ezekiel 4:1). He has to set them “for himself”. This indicates that he is to enter in the spirit of what is about to happen. In the same way, we are to be concerned with future events. We must be able to set them for ourselves, as it were, so that what is going to happen to Israel, Europe and the world becomes clear to us.
The ways that Ezekiel has to make or draw starts as one way, which later splits into two ways. It is the way that the sword will go to get into Judah. Now the name of him who holds the sword is also mentioned. It is the king of Babylon. The two ways go out from one land. At the place where the way splits into two ways, Ezekiel is to make a signpost. On it are two destinations. One way leads to Rabbah, the capital of the sons of Ammon; the other way leads to Judah with its fortified Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20). The way from Babylon to Rabbah and to Jerusalem is the same way until Damascus. At Damascus one must choose where to go.
Then the LORD tells Ezekiel why he should set out the way and the split into two ways. At the split, the king of Babylon will stop to consider which direction he will go (Ezekiel 21:21). Will he take the way to Rabbah or the one to Jerusalem? To determine his choice, he will use idolatrous methods of divination, as is customary for him, to reach a decision. He uses three methods. This does show how uncertain he finds a particular method. It is obvious to assume that by using three, he will take the path indicated by at least two methods.
The ‘shaking the arrows’ could mean that he takes two arrows and puts the name of a direction on each. He then shakes them and draws one. That is then the direction he will take. When consulting the “household idols” they seem to be teraphim or small household gods taken by the owner on a journey (Genesis 31:19). To “look at the liver” is to examine the color and characteristics of the liver of a sacrificial animal. This form of divination is in use throughout the Babylonians at this time.
We see here that God knows all of Nebuchadnezzar’s deliberations and that He determines the outcome. He will cause the king of Babylon to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:22). Nebuchadnezzar thinks his gods have given him counsel, but God determines his way. Nebuchadnezzar has his battle plan and his weapons ready to begin the siege of a strong fortress like Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem will experience this as a “false prophecy”, because they have promised allegiance to the king of Babylon after all (Ezekiel 21:23; Ezekiel 17:16-18).
But their promises or oaths are worth nothing. Several times Zedekiah and the officials committed themselves with solemn oaths to remain faithful to the king of Babylon. But they have done so in order to deceive him, for secretly they have made agreements with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:7; 15; 17; Jeremiah 37:5; Jeremiah 46:17). It is precisely their unfaithfulness that is a reason for Nebuchadnezzar to go up against them. He will remind them of their own iniquity and seize and carry them away for it.
Daniel 3:8
The Oracle of Nebuchadnezzar
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:18). He is commanded to make [or: set for himself] two ways (Ezekiel 21:19; cf. Ezekiel 4:1). He has to set them “for himself”. This indicates that he is to enter in the spirit of what is about to happen. In the same way, we are to be concerned with future events. We must be able to set them for ourselves, as it were, so that what is going to happen to Israel, Europe and the world becomes clear to us.
The ways that Ezekiel has to make or draw starts as one way, which later splits into two ways. It is the way that the sword will go to get into Judah. Now the name of him who holds the sword is also mentioned. It is the king of Babylon. The two ways go out from one land. At the place where the way splits into two ways, Ezekiel is to make a signpost. On it are two destinations. One way leads to Rabbah, the capital of the sons of Ammon; the other way leads to Judah with its fortified Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20). The way from Babylon to Rabbah and to Jerusalem is the same way until Damascus. At Damascus one must choose where to go.
Then the LORD tells Ezekiel why he should set out the way and the split into two ways. At the split, the king of Babylon will stop to consider which direction he will go (Ezekiel 21:21). Will he take the way to Rabbah or the one to Jerusalem? To determine his choice, he will use idolatrous methods of divination, as is customary for him, to reach a decision. He uses three methods. This does show how uncertain he finds a particular method. It is obvious to assume that by using three, he will take the path indicated by at least two methods.
The ‘shaking the arrows’ could mean that he takes two arrows and puts the name of a direction on each. He then shakes them and draws one. That is then the direction he will take. When consulting the “household idols” they seem to be teraphim or small household gods taken by the owner on a journey (Genesis 31:19). To “look at the liver” is to examine the color and characteristics of the liver of a sacrificial animal. This form of divination is in use throughout the Babylonians at this time.
We see here that God knows all of Nebuchadnezzar’s deliberations and that He determines the outcome. He will cause the king of Babylon to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:22). Nebuchadnezzar thinks his gods have given him counsel, but God determines his way. Nebuchadnezzar has his battle plan and his weapons ready to begin the siege of a strong fortress like Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem will experience this as a “false prophecy”, because they have promised allegiance to the king of Babylon after all (Ezekiel 21:23; Ezekiel 17:16-18).
But their promises or oaths are worth nothing. Several times Zedekiah and the officials committed themselves with solemn oaths to remain faithful to the king of Babylon. But they have done so in order to deceive him, for secretly they have made agreements with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:7; 15; 17; Jeremiah 37:5; Jeremiah 46:17). It is precisely their unfaithfulness that is a reason for Nebuchadnezzar to go up against them. He will remind them of their own iniquity and seize and carry them away for it.
Daniel 3:9
The Oracle of Nebuchadnezzar
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:18). He is commanded to make [or: set for himself] two ways (Ezekiel 21:19; cf. Ezekiel 4:1). He has to set them “for himself”. This indicates that he is to enter in the spirit of what is about to happen. In the same way, we are to be concerned with future events. We must be able to set them for ourselves, as it were, so that what is going to happen to Israel, Europe and the world becomes clear to us.
The ways that Ezekiel has to make or draw starts as one way, which later splits into two ways. It is the way that the sword will go to get into Judah. Now the name of him who holds the sword is also mentioned. It is the king of Babylon. The two ways go out from one land. At the place where the way splits into two ways, Ezekiel is to make a signpost. On it are two destinations. One way leads to Rabbah, the capital of the sons of Ammon; the other way leads to Judah with its fortified Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20). The way from Babylon to Rabbah and to Jerusalem is the same way until Damascus. At Damascus one must choose where to go.
Then the LORD tells Ezekiel why he should set out the way and the split into two ways. At the split, the king of Babylon will stop to consider which direction he will go (Ezekiel 21:21). Will he take the way to Rabbah or the one to Jerusalem? To determine his choice, he will use idolatrous methods of divination, as is customary for him, to reach a decision. He uses three methods. This does show how uncertain he finds a particular method. It is obvious to assume that by using three, he will take the path indicated by at least two methods.
The ‘shaking the arrows’ could mean that he takes two arrows and puts the name of a direction on each. He then shakes them and draws one. That is then the direction he will take. When consulting the “household idols” they seem to be teraphim or small household gods taken by the owner on a journey (Genesis 31:19). To “look at the liver” is to examine the color and characteristics of the liver of a sacrificial animal. This form of divination is in use throughout the Babylonians at this time.
We see here that God knows all of Nebuchadnezzar’s deliberations and that He determines the outcome. He will cause the king of Babylon to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:22). Nebuchadnezzar thinks his gods have given him counsel, but God determines his way. Nebuchadnezzar has his battle plan and his weapons ready to begin the siege of a strong fortress like Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem will experience this as a “false prophecy”, because they have promised allegiance to the king of Babylon after all (Ezekiel 21:23; Ezekiel 17:16-18).
But their promises or oaths are worth nothing. Several times Zedekiah and the officials committed themselves with solemn oaths to remain faithful to the king of Babylon. But they have done so in order to deceive him, for secretly they have made agreements with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:7; 15; 17; Jeremiah 37:5; Jeremiah 46:17). It is precisely their unfaithfulness that is a reason for Nebuchadnezzar to go up against them. He will remind them of their own iniquity and seize and carry them away for it.
Daniel 3:10
The Oracle of Nebuchadnezzar
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:18). He is commanded to make [or: set for himself] two ways (Ezekiel 21:19; cf. Ezekiel 4:1). He has to set them “for himself”. This indicates that he is to enter in the spirit of what is about to happen. In the same way, we are to be concerned with future events. We must be able to set them for ourselves, as it were, so that what is going to happen to Israel, Europe and the world becomes clear to us.
The ways that Ezekiel has to make or draw starts as one way, which later splits into two ways. It is the way that the sword will go to get into Judah. Now the name of him who holds the sword is also mentioned. It is the king of Babylon. The two ways go out from one land. At the place where the way splits into two ways, Ezekiel is to make a signpost. On it are two destinations. One way leads to Rabbah, the capital of the sons of Ammon; the other way leads to Judah with its fortified Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20). The way from Babylon to Rabbah and to Jerusalem is the same way until Damascus. At Damascus one must choose where to go.
Then the LORD tells Ezekiel why he should set out the way and the split into two ways. At the split, the king of Babylon will stop to consider which direction he will go (Ezekiel 21:21). Will he take the way to Rabbah or the one to Jerusalem? To determine his choice, he will use idolatrous methods of divination, as is customary for him, to reach a decision. He uses three methods. This does show how uncertain he finds a particular method. It is obvious to assume that by using three, he will take the path indicated by at least two methods.
The ‘shaking the arrows’ could mean that he takes two arrows and puts the name of a direction on each. He then shakes them and draws one. That is then the direction he will take. When consulting the “household idols” they seem to be teraphim or small household gods taken by the owner on a journey (Genesis 31:19). To “look at the liver” is to examine the color and characteristics of the liver of a sacrificial animal. This form of divination is in use throughout the Babylonians at this time.
We see here that God knows all of Nebuchadnezzar’s deliberations and that He determines the outcome. He will cause the king of Babylon to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:22). Nebuchadnezzar thinks his gods have given him counsel, but God determines his way. Nebuchadnezzar has his battle plan and his weapons ready to begin the siege of a strong fortress like Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem will experience this as a “false prophecy”, because they have promised allegiance to the king of Babylon after all (Ezekiel 21:23; Ezekiel 17:16-18).
But their promises or oaths are worth nothing. Several times Zedekiah and the officials committed themselves with solemn oaths to remain faithful to the king of Babylon. But they have done so in order to deceive him, for secretly they have made agreements with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:7; 15; 17; Jeremiah 37:5; Jeremiah 46:17). It is precisely their unfaithfulness that is a reason for Nebuchadnezzar to go up against them. He will remind them of their own iniquity and seize and carry them away for it.
Daniel 3:11
The Oracle of Nebuchadnezzar
Again the word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 21:18). He is commanded to make [or: set for himself] two ways (Ezekiel 21:19; cf. Ezekiel 4:1). He has to set them “for himself”. This indicates that he is to enter in the spirit of what is about to happen. In the same way, we are to be concerned with future events. We must be able to set them for ourselves, as it were, so that what is going to happen to Israel, Europe and the world becomes clear to us.
The ways that Ezekiel has to make or draw starts as one way, which later splits into two ways. It is the way that the sword will go to get into Judah. Now the name of him who holds the sword is also mentioned. It is the king of Babylon. The two ways go out from one land. At the place where the way splits into two ways, Ezekiel is to make a signpost. On it are two destinations. One way leads to Rabbah, the capital of the sons of Ammon; the other way leads to Judah with its fortified Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20). The way from Babylon to Rabbah and to Jerusalem is the same way until Damascus. At Damascus one must choose where to go.
Then the LORD tells Ezekiel why he should set out the way and the split into two ways. At the split, the king of Babylon will stop to consider which direction he will go (Ezekiel 21:21). Will he take the way to Rabbah or the one to Jerusalem? To determine his choice, he will use idolatrous methods of divination, as is customary for him, to reach a decision. He uses three methods. This does show how uncertain he finds a particular method. It is obvious to assume that by using three, he will take the path indicated by at least two methods.
The ‘shaking the arrows’ could mean that he takes two arrows and puts the name of a direction on each. He then shakes them and draws one. That is then the direction he will take. When consulting the “household idols” they seem to be teraphim or small household gods taken by the owner on a journey (Genesis 31:19). To “look at the liver” is to examine the color and characteristics of the liver of a sacrificial animal. This form of divination is in use throughout the Babylonians at this time.
We see here that God knows all of Nebuchadnezzar’s deliberations and that He determines the outcome. He will cause the king of Babylon to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:22). Nebuchadnezzar thinks his gods have given him counsel, but God determines his way. Nebuchadnezzar has his battle plan and his weapons ready to begin the siege of a strong fortress like Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem will experience this as a “false prophecy”, because they have promised allegiance to the king of Babylon after all (Ezekiel 21:23; Ezekiel 17:16-18).
But their promises or oaths are worth nothing. Several times Zedekiah and the officials committed themselves with solemn oaths to remain faithful to the king of Babylon. But they have done so in order to deceive him, for secretly they have made agreements with Egypt (Ezekiel 17:7; 15; 17; Jeremiah 37:5; Jeremiah 46:17). It is precisely their unfaithfulness that is a reason for Nebuchadnezzar to go up against them. He will remind them of their own iniquity and seize and carry them away for it.
Daniel 3:12
The Last King
Judah itself ensures that their iniquity is remembered because they continue to sin (Ezekiel 21:24). There is no need for a prosecutor, for the people are indicting themselves with their sins that are becoming public. These are what cause them to be given over to the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar’s hard hand.
The great culprit is the “slain, wicked one, the prince of Israel”, by which Zedekiah is meant (Ezekiel 21:25). In its full application, this is about the antichrist. The day of reckoning has come because his iniquity has risen to its height. He will lose his kingship. The crown as a sign of it will be taken away from him (Ezekiel 21:26). The turban will also be taken away from him. The turban is an ornament of the high priest (Exodus 28:4; Exodus 29:6; Leviticus 8:9). It is possible that he has assumed a priestly dignity.
There will be a complete change in his circumstances. This is done according to the principle that God exalts those who humble themselves and humbles those who exalt themselves (Luke 14:11). Those who bow down to His judgment that He brings on them through Nebuchadnezzar, He will exalt (cf. 2 Kings 25:27-30). Those who exalt themselves against that judgment, He will abandon to judgment, as Zedekiah will experience.
The three times repeated “a ruin” indicates the judgment on Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:27). That city will become an unprecedented ruin. That it is repeated three times indicates that judgment will be irrevocable and extremely forceful.
However, the destruction of Jerusalem and the dethroning of Zedekiah – and the future dethroning of the antichrist – will not be the end. God will change this state of affairs as well. The prophecy of doom ends with a promise. God will give the land and the crown to One Who is entitled to it, that is the Messiah. To Him He will give the throne of David.
Daniel 3:13
The Last King
Judah itself ensures that their iniquity is remembered because they continue to sin (Ezekiel 21:24). There is no need for a prosecutor, for the people are indicting themselves with their sins that are becoming public. These are what cause them to be given over to the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar’s hard hand.
The great culprit is the “slain, wicked one, the prince of Israel”, by which Zedekiah is meant (Ezekiel 21:25). In its full application, this is about the antichrist. The day of reckoning has come because his iniquity has risen to its height. He will lose his kingship. The crown as a sign of it will be taken away from him (Ezekiel 21:26). The turban will also be taken away from him. The turban is an ornament of the high priest (Exodus 28:4; Exodus 29:6; Leviticus 8:9). It is possible that he has assumed a priestly dignity.
There will be a complete change in his circumstances. This is done according to the principle that God exalts those who humble themselves and humbles those who exalt themselves (Luke 14:11). Those who bow down to His judgment that He brings on them through Nebuchadnezzar, He will exalt (cf. 2 Kings 25:27-30). Those who exalt themselves against that judgment, He will abandon to judgment, as Zedekiah will experience.
The three times repeated “a ruin” indicates the judgment on Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:27). That city will become an unprecedented ruin. That it is repeated three times indicates that judgment will be irrevocable and extremely forceful.
However, the destruction of Jerusalem and the dethroning of Zedekiah – and the future dethroning of the antichrist – will not be the end. God will change this state of affairs as well. The prophecy of doom ends with a promise. God will give the land and the crown to One Who is entitled to it, that is the Messiah. To Him He will give the throne of David.
Daniel 3:14
The Last King
Judah itself ensures that their iniquity is remembered because they continue to sin (Ezekiel 21:24). There is no need for a prosecutor, for the people are indicting themselves with their sins that are becoming public. These are what cause them to be given over to the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar’s hard hand.
The great culprit is the “slain, wicked one, the prince of Israel”, by which Zedekiah is meant (Ezekiel 21:25). In its full application, this is about the antichrist. The day of reckoning has come because his iniquity has risen to its height. He will lose his kingship. The crown as a sign of it will be taken away from him (Ezekiel 21:26). The turban will also be taken away from him. The turban is an ornament of the high priest (Exodus 28:4; Exodus 29:6; Leviticus 8:9). It is possible that he has assumed a priestly dignity.
There will be a complete change in his circumstances. This is done according to the principle that God exalts those who humble themselves and humbles those who exalt themselves (Luke 14:11). Those who bow down to His judgment that He brings on them through Nebuchadnezzar, He will exalt (cf. 2 Kings 25:27-30). Those who exalt themselves against that judgment, He will abandon to judgment, as Zedekiah will experience.
The three times repeated “a ruin” indicates the judgment on Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:27). That city will become an unprecedented ruin. That it is repeated three times indicates that judgment will be irrevocable and extremely forceful.
However, the destruction of Jerusalem and the dethroning of Zedekiah – and the future dethroning of the antichrist – will not be the end. God will change this state of affairs as well. The prophecy of doom ends with a promise. God will give the land and the crown to One Who is entitled to it, that is the Messiah. To Him He will give the throne of David.
Daniel 3:15
The Last King
Judah itself ensures that their iniquity is remembered because they continue to sin (Ezekiel 21:24). There is no need for a prosecutor, for the people are indicting themselves with their sins that are becoming public. These are what cause them to be given over to the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar’s hard hand.
The great culprit is the “slain, wicked one, the prince of Israel”, by which Zedekiah is meant (Ezekiel 21:25). In its full application, this is about the antichrist. The day of reckoning has come because his iniquity has risen to its height. He will lose his kingship. The crown as a sign of it will be taken away from him (Ezekiel 21:26). The turban will also be taken away from him. The turban is an ornament of the high priest (Exodus 28:4; Exodus 29:6; Leviticus 8:9). It is possible that he has assumed a priestly dignity.
There will be a complete change in his circumstances. This is done according to the principle that God exalts those who humble themselves and humbles those who exalt themselves (Luke 14:11). Those who bow down to His judgment that He brings on them through Nebuchadnezzar, He will exalt (cf. 2 Kings 25:27-30). Those who exalt themselves against that judgment, He will abandon to judgment, as Zedekiah will experience.
The three times repeated “a ruin” indicates the judgment on Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:27). That city will become an unprecedented ruin. That it is repeated three times indicates that judgment will be irrevocable and extremely forceful.
However, the destruction of Jerusalem and the dethroning of Zedekiah – and the future dethroning of the antichrist – will not be the end. God will change this state of affairs as well. The prophecy of doom ends with a promise. God will give the land and the crown to One Who is entitled to it, that is the Messiah. To Him He will give the throne of David.
Daniel 3:16
Judgment on Ammon
Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20-22) does not mean that the Ammonites will escape judgment (Ezekiel 21:28). Their defamation over humiliated and devastated Judah is an additional reason to judge them. The sword of judgment that is in Nebuchadnezzar’s hand will massacre them as well (Ezekiel 21:9-10; 15).
The Ammonites think they will be spared (Ezekiel 21:29). That is what their lying prophets with their false visions have caused them to believe. Those deceivers have even said that they will go up to Judah with Nebuchadnezzar, whose side they have chosen (2 Kings 24:2). They will then set their feet on the necks of the unholy wicked who belong to Zedekiah and whose iniquity has reached its zenith (cf. Ezekiel 21:25).
The call sounds to them that they should not arm themselves. They will not fight with Nebuchadnezzar and will not be able to resist him (Ezekiel 21:30). They will be judged in their own land and will not be led into exile like Judah. God will pour out His indignation on them and blow on them with the fire of His wrath (Ezekiel 21:31). He will do this by giving them into the hand of brutal men who have their destruction in mind.
The fire, picture of judgment, will do its destructive and consuming work among them (Ezekiel 21:32). The land will be full of the blood of the defeated in the midst of it. Their role will be utterly finished and they will no longer be asked for. They will have disappeared from memory. It happens that way because the LORD has spoken it.
Daniel 3:17
Judgment on Ammon
Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20-22) does not mean that the Ammonites will escape judgment (Ezekiel 21:28). Their defamation over humiliated and devastated Judah is an additional reason to judge them. The sword of judgment that is in Nebuchadnezzar’s hand will massacre them as well (Ezekiel 21:9-10; 15).
The Ammonites think they will be spared (Ezekiel 21:29). That is what their lying prophets with their false visions have caused them to believe. Those deceivers have even said that they will go up to Judah with Nebuchadnezzar, whose side they have chosen (2 Kings 24:2). They will then set their feet on the necks of the unholy wicked who belong to Zedekiah and whose iniquity has reached its zenith (cf. Ezekiel 21:25).
The call sounds to them that they should not arm themselves. They will not fight with Nebuchadnezzar and will not be able to resist him (Ezekiel 21:30). They will be judged in their own land and will not be led into exile like Judah. God will pour out His indignation on them and blow on them with the fire of His wrath (Ezekiel 21:31). He will do this by giving them into the hand of brutal men who have their destruction in mind.
The fire, picture of judgment, will do its destructive and consuming work among them (Ezekiel 21:32). The land will be full of the blood of the defeated in the midst of it. Their role will be utterly finished and they will no longer be asked for. They will have disappeared from memory. It happens that way because the LORD has spoken it.
Daniel 3:18
Judgment on Ammon
Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20-22) does not mean that the Ammonites will escape judgment (Ezekiel 21:28). Their defamation over humiliated and devastated Judah is an additional reason to judge them. The sword of judgment that is in Nebuchadnezzar’s hand will massacre them as well (Ezekiel 21:9-10; 15).
The Ammonites think they will be spared (Ezekiel 21:29). That is what their lying prophets with their false visions have caused them to believe. Those deceivers have even said that they will go up to Judah with Nebuchadnezzar, whose side they have chosen (2 Kings 24:2). They will then set their feet on the necks of the unholy wicked who belong to Zedekiah and whose iniquity has reached its zenith (cf. Ezekiel 21:25).
The call sounds to them that they should not arm themselves. They will not fight with Nebuchadnezzar and will not be able to resist him (Ezekiel 21:30). They will be judged in their own land and will not be led into exile like Judah. God will pour out His indignation on them and blow on them with the fire of His wrath (Ezekiel 21:31). He will do this by giving them into the hand of brutal men who have their destruction in mind.
The fire, picture of judgment, will do its destructive and consuming work among them (Ezekiel 21:32). The land will be full of the blood of the defeated in the midst of it. Their role will be utterly finished and they will no longer be asked for. They will have disappeared from memory. It happens that way because the LORD has spoken it.
Daniel 3:19
Judgment on Ammon
Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20-22) does not mean that the Ammonites will escape judgment (Ezekiel 21:28). Their defamation over humiliated and devastated Judah is an additional reason to judge them. The sword of judgment that is in Nebuchadnezzar’s hand will massacre them as well (Ezekiel 21:9-10; 15).
The Ammonites think they will be spared (Ezekiel 21:29). That is what their lying prophets with their false visions have caused them to believe. Those deceivers have even said that they will go up to Judah with Nebuchadnezzar, whose side they have chosen (2 Kings 24:2). They will then set their feet on the necks of the unholy wicked who belong to Zedekiah and whose iniquity has reached its zenith (cf. Ezekiel 21:25).
The call sounds to them that they should not arm themselves. They will not fight with Nebuchadnezzar and will not be able to resist him (Ezekiel 21:30). They will be judged in their own land and will not be led into exile like Judah. God will pour out His indignation on them and blow on them with the fire of His wrath (Ezekiel 21:31). He will do this by giving them into the hand of brutal men who have their destruction in mind.
The fire, picture of judgment, will do its destructive and consuming work among them (Ezekiel 21:32). The land will be full of the blood of the defeated in the midst of it. Their role will be utterly finished and they will no longer be asked for. They will have disappeared from memory. It happens that way because the LORD has spoken it.
Daniel 3:20
Judgment on Ammon
Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to go up to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 21:20-22) does not mean that the Ammonites will escape judgment (Ezekiel 21:28). Their defamation over humiliated and devastated Judah is an additional reason to judge them. The sword of judgment that is in Nebuchadnezzar’s hand will massacre them as well (Ezekiel 21:9-10; 15).
The Ammonites think they will be spared (Ezekiel 21:29). That is what their lying prophets with their false visions have caused them to believe. Those deceivers have even said that they will go up to Judah with Nebuchadnezzar, whose side they have chosen (2 Kings 24:2). They will then set their feet on the necks of the unholy wicked who belong to Zedekiah and whose iniquity has reached its zenith (cf. Ezekiel 21:25).
The call sounds to them that they should not arm themselves. They will not fight with Nebuchadnezzar and will not be able to resist him (Ezekiel 21:30). They will be judged in their own land and will not be led into exile like Judah. God will pour out His indignation on them and blow on them with the fire of His wrath (Ezekiel 21:31). He will do this by giving them into the hand of brutal men who have their destruction in mind.
The fire, picture of judgment, will do its destructive and consuming work among them (Ezekiel 21:32). The land will be full of the blood of the defeated in the midst of it. Their role will be utterly finished and they will no longer be asked for. They will have disappeared from memory. It happens that way because the LORD has spoken it.
Daniel 3:22
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:23
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:24
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:25
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:26
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:27
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:28
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:29
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.
Daniel 3:30
Introduction
This chapter contains three separate words of the LORD, each beginning with the phrase: “The word of the LORD came to me” (Ezekiel 22:1; 17; 23). These words of the LORD have as their common theme the defilement of Israel. The messages can be given the following titles: 1. The bloody city (Ezekiel 22:1-16). 2. The melting furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22). 3. The wicked land (Ezekiel 22:23-31).
The Bloody City
This chapter is one long list of sins. The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 22:1). Again addressed as “the son of man” he is commanded to judge the blood city, that is Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:2). The title “son of man” reminds us of the Lord Jesus, Who, as the Son of Man, is given by the Father authority to execute judgment (John 5:27). The city has become so depraved that God calls the city “blood city” (Ezekiel 24:6; 9). Nineveh is given a similar name (Nahum 3:1). Jerusalem is given that name because of the blood that has flowed within its walls. Ezekiel has to cause the city to know all her abominations. ‘Abomination’ always has to do with idolatry. All injustice flows from it.
God tells Ezekiel what to say to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22:3). He does not use flattering words. Violence and idolatry are mentioned in the same breath. Violence and idolatry have made the city guilty and defiled (Ezekiel 22:4). As a result, the end of the city is also in sight. God will turn the city over to the nations. Instead of being a blessing to the surrounding nations – which is God’s purpose for Jerusalem – the nations reproach Jerusalem and mock her.
This mockery comes both from the peoples near Jerusalem and from the peoples far from her (Ezekiel 22:5). Her guilt and defilement are so great that it is spoken of as far away as the nations. God tells her that is one “of ill repute, full of turmoil”. Defilement, sin, is the end of all togetherness. Chaos ensues. No one thinks of others anymore, for each is concerned only with and for himself.
The rulers, those in charge, have abused their power (Ezekiel 22:6). They have ranted violently. In doing so, they relied on their power. In their position of power they have mocked the law. They have killed people for profit. They do not care about the law of God.
The commandment to honor father and mother they trample on contemptuously (Ezekiel 22:7). They don’t care about their parents (Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9; Deuteronomy 27:16; Proverbs 20:20). The stranger in their midst also has to suffer. This socially isolated group depends on the kindness of others to have an income. But the rulers see in this group only an opportunity to make money. They do not spare the socially weak as orphans and widows. Instead of supporting them in their tribulation they oppress them even more severely.
Of course, God also is targeted (Ezekiel 22:8). They don’t give Him to what He is entitled. Not only that, they treat the gifts sanctified for Him with contempt – just as they do their parents. They don’t care about justice at all (Ezekiel 22:9). They welcome slanderers with open arms. They hire slanderers and send them out to get people out of the way (cf. 1 Kings 21:4-13). Then they go with them to the mountains to sacrifice to the idols and on that occasion also eat from the idol sacrifices. The disgraceful behavior of these slanderers they allow to continue in their midst undisturbed.
They also set aside all the commandments about marriage and sexuality that God has given (Ezekiel 22:10-11). Incest is committed in shameful and multiple ways. By “the father’s nakedness” is meant the father’s wife (cf. Deuteronomy 27:20; 2 Samuel 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 5:1). They don’t care about God’s prohibition against having intercourse with a woman who is unclean in her menstrual impurity (Leviticus 18:19), but humble her. The same goes for intercourse with his neighbor’s wife (Leviticus 18:20). The son’s wife is not safe either, but one takes her for one’s own satisfaction (Leviticus 18:15). The same is true of the sister (Leviticus 18:9; 11; Deuteronomy 27:22; 2 Samuel 13:12).
Nothing is sacred, nothing is safe, no one is spared. God’s commandments regarding marriage and sexuality are repugnantly violated. They are guilty of abominable incest. No uncleanness is too filthy for them. In their excesses, they act “like unreasoning animals” (Jude 1:10), and not as creatures who have reason.
As easily as they trample on laws related to marriage and family, they allow themselves to be bribed to convict and put to death innocent people (Ezekiel 22:12). They demand excessive interest and usury from those in their power. They extort their neighbor, the compatriot. They take advantage of the neighbor’s misery to benefit themselves.
The root cause of all the sins mentioned in detail is stated at the end of Eze 22:12: they have forgotten God. Those who live with God and ask His for will will not break His law. To them the law is completely irrelevant because they do not live with God and do not ask for His will. As a result, they know no brake on their disgusting behavior. The only limit they know for their abominable deeds is that of their possibilities.
In great indignation about Jerusalem’s criminal behavior, the LORD smites His hand (Ezekiel 22:13). The greed for money of her inhabitants as a root of all evil has led them to murder. The blood of the victims is among them. When the LORD comes to deal with the inhabitants, their talk will be over. Their hearts will fail and their strength will disappear when He acts against them (Ezekiel 22:14). They need not doubt that it will happen, for it will happen because the LORD has spoken. His speaking is His acting.
He will drive the inhabitants of Jerusalem out of the land and scatter them and disperse them among the nations in the lands around them (Ezekiel 22:15). In this way the LORD will cleanse Jerusalem of uncleanness. She has herself to blame for being thus profaned before the eyes of the nations (Ezekiel 22:16). Also, this is proof that the LORD has done it. Jerusalem will thereby know that He is the LORD.